Eating Amsterdam’s Foodie Guide

Our Foodie Guide to Amsterdam offers you insider’s tips on how to make the most of your visit. We’ve gathered together our favorite attractions, restaurants, bars and places to stay in Amsterdam, as well as our very own shortlist of not-to-be-missed food and drinks in Holland!

There are many different signs that summer is coming to an end in Europe: the leaves turn brown and begin to fall from the trees, it gets darker earlier in the day, and most importantly we start serving the craft beer – Bokbier, on our Amsterdam Food and Canals tour! Craft beer in Holland is serious business, so much so that there are more breweries here than in Belgium. What is Bokbier? “What is this Bokbier?” I hear you cry, hang on a second and I will reveal all. ‘Bock’ beer is a strong lager of German origin, and Bokbier is the Dutch version. It’s a maltier, ruby-red colored, slightly hoppier version of regular lager brewed especially for the autumn and winter seasons. Most of the larger Dutch breweries, like Heineken and Grolsch produce a Bokbier, but we like to concentrate on the smaller, craft beer brewers. Today there are over 50 on the market in the Netherlands. Some say the origin of the beer’s name goes a little like this: It was originally brewed in the German town of Einbeck during the fourteenth century, and was so popular it moved around the country but that due to subtle language differences and pronunciations Keep reading this post...

Heading to Amsterdam? I bet you’ve already made a list of all the Dutch cuisine you can’t wait to try. Chances are herring, gouda and stroopwaffle are all on that list (and for good reason – they’re all delicious!) but you might know less about the abundance of Surinamese food in Amsterdam. What is Surinamese Food? To answer this question, we need to take a look at its history. If you’re sitting comfortably, I shall begin. Bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south, the South American country of Suriname is a former Dutch colony. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, Dutch plantation owners in Suriname needed a new source of labor, so they encouraged workers from the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) to start a new life in South America. Today 14% of the Surinamese population are Javanese – Java being the fourth largest island in Indonesia. This is the reason you’ll often see Surinamese cuisine listed alongside Indonesian. It’s because of this colonial past, that Surinamese food is hard to define. The people are some of the most diverse in the world. Suriname is a melting pot of Indian, African, Keep reading this post...

Twinkling lights reflecting on the canals… cobbled hump-back bridges… buildings that lean close to each other like old married couples… it’s no wonder that the makers of romantic tear-jerker The Fault in Our Stars decided to set much of the film in Amsterdam. So if you happen to be heading to the Venice of the Keep reading this post...

The Dutch joke that you can experience 4 seasons in one day, and they’re justified! In summer, you’re as likely to need your raincoat as your sunglasses; and in winter, bring your umbrella and your ice skates. But don’t despair: Amsterdam is well set up for its weather system, with cozy cafes around every corner Keep reading this post...

This post was originally published on July 27, 2015 and was updated on November, 2017. Whether you’re visiting and looking to experience something uniquely Amsterdam, or you’re an Amsterdammer who wants to mix up your culinary routine, cooking classes are a fun way to try something new with the help of someone who really knows Keep reading this post...

Although not an official national holiday in the getting-a-day-off-work sense, Sinterklaas is the Dutch holiday everyone gets excited about, especially those under the age of 10. In short, it’s about the Dutch version of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, arriving in town alongside his mischievous helpers to distribute presents among those children who have been good. Keep reading this post...

This post was originally published on September 2, 2014 and was updated in November, 2017. How better to take a break from being a tourist than by asking the locals for their city secrets? And since we want you to make the most of your time in Amsterdam (after orientating yourself with a food tour, Keep reading this post...

This post was originally published on March 11, 2014 and was updated on October 18, 2016. If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to balance the price of your stay with some free activities, don’t worry! There are plenty things in the city to keep you busy. From visiting parks to admiring architecture, it might be Keep reading this post...

BOOK A FOOD TOUR OR COOKING CLASS

Escape the crowds and treat yourself to a truly local experience on one of our Walking Food Tours and Cooking Classes. Take in fascinating history, unique shops and unforgettable food in the most historic neighborhoods in Europe.

See what people are saying on Trip Advisor

“First off, I had no idea what to expect on this tour, I just knew it was going to be food. I was completely wrong, because it wasn't just food tastings, it was history, A LOT OF GREAT food, a funny guide, and wonderful people who joined in for the experience. I had no idea that Dutch food involved so many other dishes, and I got full from them all! Do yourself a favor. Don't wander around Amsterdam aimlessly. Get Led, and Fed!”

Amsterdam food tour gift certificates

Have friends or family travelling to Amsterdam?
Food tours make great gifts.